Attorney General threatens suit against lawmakers, governor over fund raid
Attorney General Kris Mayes says if state lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs want to immediately seize $75 million out of an opioid settlement fund to balance the state budget they're going to have to come and get it.
Minority groups may face fewer opioid addiction treatment options
The opioid epidemic has touched all races, but when it comes to seeking treatment, some minority groups are at a distinct disadvantage, a panel of experts said at a recent online forum.
As cartels use social media to push fentanyl, experts teach parents how to protect kids
Experts say as more kids today are getting fentanyl-laced opioids from anonymous dealers online, it’s crucial for parents to understand what’s happening to prevent the problem from escalating.
Babies in recovery as opioid crisis continues
Pregnant with her second child, Clarissa Collins was at her methadone clinic when a woman walked in with a box of doughnuts and a baby doll.
Hospitals can’t sue pharmacies for opioid costs
Tucson Medical Center has no right to sue a major national pharmacy on the claim that it is negligent for distributing opioids in the state, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled September 1.
Health director seeks message to prevent virus spread among group most affected
The state's top health official says the key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 could be finding ways to reach the people who believe they're the least likely to get infected or suffer ill effects.
Preventing opioid addiction means more access to pain treatment options
Arizona hospitals and healthcare professionals shifted their focus in recent months to responding to the COVID-19 crisis. But early indications now suggest the pandemic may be helping to fuel our... […]
Opioid deaths, overdoses on the rise despite states efforts to curb crisis
Two years after Gov. Doug Ducey called a special session to fast-track the Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act, more Arizonans are overdosing and dying from opioid-related overdoses now than any time since the state started recording those figures.
Tough opioids bill draws skepticism from lawmakers
Legislation to require mandatory 5-year prison terms for anyone who sells even the slightest amount of opioids appears dead, at least in its current form.
We need sweeping action to curb opioid crisis
I never set out to become an addict. Like so many people, my path of addiction began with a legal prescription for pain medication after I injured my knee. Every year, an estimated 3 million patients are prescribed post-surgical opioids and become dependent. More than 80% of heroin users trace their addiction to a legal prescription, including me.
Supreme Court refuses Arizona’s bid to restrict opioid-maker’s finances
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a bid by Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich to get an early crack at the assets of the family that owns one of the largest opioid manufacturing operations in the country.
Support legislation to incentivize non-opioids pain therapies
Opioids cost 1,375 Arizonans their lives in 2018 alone. This is a public health epidemic, and we need to leverage every available public-health policy tool to reduce opioid addiction. Fortunately, research into safer pain relievers is paying off and FDA-approved, opioid-free alternatives are now available. This means patients can recover from medical procedures in comfort while taking fewer, if an[...]